Question

Please explain two of the following in regard to maintaining a stable, positive self image:

-theory of cognitive dissonance,

-rational behavior versus rationalizing behavior, and

-decision making

Answer 1

Cognitive dissonance is the discomfort which arises when a person has two opposing or conflicting views at the same time. Cognitive dissonance can have on impact on maintaining one own positive self image.

For Example. A sales executive who works in a tobacco company, considers himself a moral and righteous person, but at the same time he has to promote his tobacco company. Here the dissonance arises between his morality and his work, if he continues to work there and keeps promoting the tobacco company, he may also change his moral views which will also harm his positive self image. On the other hand if chooses to leave his job for a new one, he will preserve his moral views, as well as maintaining his positive self image.